b'CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS MESSAGETANIA JOHNSTON, MCAC Chief Executive OfficerFOCUSING ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS IS CRITICAL FOR OUR INDUSTRYL ike many other industries and sectors, the Canadianthe mechanical contracting sector and the many careers that may mechanical contracting sector is facing a challenge when itbe available to them. comes to our workforce: there are not enough skilled work- Both of these MCAC initiatives have paid dividends, and we ers to meet the demands our industry faces in the coming years.know that in some cases these students have gone on to work And while this challenge is not necessarily a new onewe havefor member firms. While these programs are a key component been talking about the need for skilled workers for as long as Iof supporting the next generation, we must continue to expand have been with MCACit is increasingly clear we need to bang this drum louder so our sector can play a key role in post-pan- them, and perhaps look at engaging even younger generations in demic recovery.some way. For years we have joined forces with other like-mindedIn terms of other potential groups to fulfill the demand organizations to promote the benefits of the skilled trades. Thosefor workers, we must also look to women and other in the industry are keenly aware of the opportunities availableunderrepresented groups in order to attract new talent to in our sector and the benefits of choosing a career in the skilledour industry. A few years ago, MCAC began the Women in trades. And while Im certain this message is being heard, thereMechanical Construction initiative, which continues to garner are still challenges to overcome.support from the sector and other like-minded organizations and First and foremost is the lag in recruitment. The challenge withindustry associations. We know that women are underrepresented the skilled trades, particularly in the mechanical contractingin the mechanical contracting sector, and this initiative aims not sector, is that it is not simply just a matter of signing up a newonly to showcase the opportunities available, but also to provide worker. Whether in new construction or service and repair, oursupport and resources to those women considering a career in sector requires skilled workersthose with a unique set of skillsmechanical contracting sector.mastered over many years of training.Perhaps most importantly, this initiative also provides a forum Obviously, the benefit of hiring skilled workers is clear: work isto discuss issues being faced by women in our industry, so that conducted with skill, precision and expertise. The disadvantage iswe, as a collective sector, can work together to address those that any significant growth in the workforce takes time. Furtherissues and create a more inclusive and welcoming mechanical to that, the anticipated retirements in our sector mean that manycontracting sector. years of expertise (and potential trainers) may soon be walkingOn this topic, our new strategic plan has also identified out of the door.inclusiveness as one of MCACs values. While the promotion Another challenge is determining when we should be engagingof the industry stands as its own pillar, it includes a strategic with potential workers, namely students and youngerobjective to promote the mechanical contracting sector as an generations, on joining the skilled trades. At MCAC, we areinclusive and rewarding industry. A new Workforce Development proud to already have several initiatives underway that focusCommittee was established to provide a forum and means to on just that, and it is my hope we can continue to grow theseaddress this very issue.programs to address this critical issue. As we move forward and look at the future of Canadas One program, for example, is the Richard McKeagan Scholarshipmechanical contracting sector, your national association will Series, an award offered annually to students studying incontinue to highlight the vital role this industry can play for mechanical fields. Many of these students have already madea healthy Canadian economy and the health and safety of the choice to look at our industry as a potential career, but thisCanadians. A significant component of this includes showcasing annual scholarship support helps to reiterate our industrysthe innovative work of our skilled tradespeople and the critical commitment to the next generation of workers.role this sector plays on key issues such as energy efficiency and Another initiative and program targeting post-secondary studentsgreenhouse gas emissions. is our Student Chapter Program and annual Student ChapterThis, together with programs and initiatives to promote the Summit. The latter event is typically held in the early months ofskilled trades and support those entering the field, will help the year and brings together mechanical engineering students notcreate a stronger, more diverse and skilled workforce for many only to network, but also, perhaps most importantly, to showcaseyears to come. Now is the time to see this through.16 www.mcac.ca'